Carefree of Colorado VACATION'R User manual

V ACATION ' R
A R OOM FOR V ERTICAL A RM A WNINGS
2015 & ON
RV
Before operating the awning, carefully review the Owner's Manual.
The manual contains important safety information, detailed operating
instructions, common maintenance procedures and other useful
information.
 Made of durable, lightweight polyester & vinyl material - the
same material used for tents.
 No drilling required
 No rafters to install.
T ABLE OF C ONTENTS
Introduction ........................................................................................................... 2 
Installing the Rail Brackets................................................................................... 4 
Room Setup ........................................................................................................... 5 
The Front Panels...........................................................................................5 
Manual Awnings - Start Here............................................................... 5 
Motorized Awnings - Start Here........................................................... 6 
Hanging the Front Panels....................................................................6 
Side Panels...................................................................................................7 
Setting the Pitch..................................................................................7 
Stake the Room............................................................................................. 8 
Sealing Along the Vehicle Wall...................................................................... 8 
The Strap Hook ................................................................................... 9 
Closing the Corners....................................................................................... 9 
Attaching the Skirt ..............................................................................................10 
Crossing the Entry Step...............................................................................11 
Crossing the Door ....................................................................................... 11 
Storing the Room ................................................................................................ 12 
Room Care ........................................................................................................... 13 
Fabric Care..................................................................................................13 
Carefree Major Product Limited Warranty......................................................... 14 

Carefree of Colorado
2
I NTRODUCTION
From it's beginning in the early 70's, Carefree of Colorado has emerged as the
premier manufacturer of quality awnings and accessories for Recreational
Vehicles (RVs). Our full line of products can provide the accessories that match
your life style; no matter what type of RV you own.
The V
ACATION ' R fits on the following Carefree vertical arm awnings:
Manual Awnings: Motorized Awnings:
Fiesta Travel'r Adjustable Pitch
Pioneer Eclipse
10' – 21' in 1 foot increments
The Buena Vista will fit most competitive brands with an 8-foot extension. (Does
not include Zip Dee awnings.)
WARNING This product can expose you to chemicals including Di-
isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), Vinyl Chloride and Formaldehyde, which are
known to the state of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other
reproductive harm. For more information visit www.P65warnings.ca.gov
WARNING Risk of Fire. Keep all sources of heat and
flame away from the awning canopy. Fabric is
NOT fireproof.
WARNING Suffocation Hazard. Never use any gas-powered devices
inside the room. Gas-powered devices consume oxygen and produce carbon
monoxide that is poisonous and has no odor.
WARNING Suffocation Hazard. Skirting must not interfere with LP
appliance or exhaust vents. Do not start or operate the engine or generators if
the exhaust components are located behind the skirting.
CAUTION DIRECT RESPONSE SYSTEMS: For awnings with A Direct
Response system, the auto-retract feature MUST BE SHUT OFF . If the awning auto-
retracts, personal injury as well as damage to the awning, room and vehicle can
occur. Refer to the awning’s owner manual for instructions.
NOTICE If so equipped, the automatic entry step operation must be
disabled when installing and/or using the skirting.
NOTICE The Vacation’r room is made with durable, quality materials for use
as a temporary enclosure. The room is not intended for use as a long term or
semi-permanent structure, premature fading and/or wear can occur from long
term exposure to weather and/or harsh environments.
Additional Cautions and Notices are included in the text.

VACATION'R
3
C OMPONENT I DENTIFICATION
Wall Seal
Skirt Clip
Room Bag
vac018
Stakes
LH Side
Panel
Front
Panel
RH Side
Panel
DoorExtension
Panel
Rail Clamps
Ball Bungee
Skirt
Corner Panel

Carefree of Colorado
4
INSTALLING THE RAIL BRACKETS
Before setting up the room, it is necessary to attach the rail brackets to the
awning rail on the vehicle. These are designed to stay mounted after the first
installation but can be removed for awning maintenance.
The installation requires a #2 phillips head screwdriver.
1. Hook the inner clamp half into the bottom of the awning rail.
2. Insert the outer clamp half into the top of the awning rail.
a. For awning rails with the slot pointing down, insert the two ears of the
clamp into the awning rail as shown.
b. For awning rails with the slot pointing up, insert the tongue into the top
of the awning rail.
3. Align the clamp halves and slide next to the awning fabric.
4. Hold the clamp halves together as shown in Detail A and start the first #10 x
3/8” self-threading screw through the outer clamp half and into the inner
clamp half. Do not fully tighten the screw at this time.
NOTE: The holes will appear to not line up vertically. This is normal, the
holes will self-align as the screws are tightened.
5. Start the second screw. Tighten the screw until snug, the clamp halves with
be squeezed together as shown in Detail B.
6. Tighten the first screw until snug.
7. Repeat for the other side.
Awning Rail with Slot Pointing Down
Awning Rail with Slot Pointing Up
Inner Clamp
Outer Clamp
#10 x 3/8” Self-Threading Screw
Inner Clamp
Outer Clamp
#10 x 3/8” Self-Threading Screw
vac019
Detail A Detail B
Detail A Detail B
Use Upper
Holes
Use Lower
Holes

VACATION'R
5
ROOM SETUP
T HE F RONT P ANELS
The front panel consists of a window panel, door panel and extension panel. These
panels can be arranged with the door on the right or the left. The extension panel is
included to fit the larger size of the fitting range (i.e. 13’ for a 12’to13’ room size) and can
be placed on either end or in-between the door and window.
The front panel sections include a removable top piece called the zipper insert. For
convenience, the zipper insert can be removed and slid into the lead rail or roller tube.
Then the panel can be lifted and zipped to the insert.
On awnings that do not use a pull strap, the zipper insert can be left in the roller tube
and rolled up with the awning.
MANUAL AWNINGS -START HERE
Start here for Carefree manual awnings and A&E awnings.
1. Extend the awning out according to the
manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that
the open roller tube slot and slot access
is down and accessible on the idler (LH)
side of the awning.
2. If necessary, clean and deburr the slot
and slot access.
3. For awnings with a pull strap, slide the
pull strap down to the opposite end of the
roller tube.
4. Unfold the front panels. Remove the zipper inserts from the top of the panels.
5. Slide the zipper insert into the open slot of the roller tube. Ensure that the rings are
facing out away from the vehicle as shown.
6. If the awning was over extended to access the slot, follow the manufacturer’s
instructions and retract the awning to the normal extended position.
7. Go to “Hanging the Front Panels” on page 6.
LH Side Panel Window Panel RH Side PanelDoorExtension
Zipper Insert
vac020
vac001
Open Slot
Access
Zipper Insert

Carefree of Colorado
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MOTORIZED AWNINGS -START HERE
1. Extend the awning out according to the manufacturer's instructions.
For Travel'r awnings and Eclipse awnings without Auto Retract:
Hold the EXTEND switch until the empty slot of the tube aligns with the slot on
the back of the idler (LH) head.
For Eclipse with Auto Retract:
After extending the awning, press and release the retract button. Stop the
awning when the roller tube makes approximately 1/2 turn or less.
Hold the EXTEND switch until the empty slot of the tube aligns with the slot on
the back of the idler (LH) head.
2. Unfold the front panels. Remove the
zipper inserts from the top of the
panels.
3. Slide the zipper inserts into the open
slot of the roller tube. Ensure that the
rings are facing toward the vehicle as
shown.
4. Using the retract switch, roll the
awning up to the normal extended
position. Note: When the insert is
hanging down, the rings will face out
away from the vehicle.
5. Go to “Hanging the Front Panels” on page 6
HANGING THE FRONT PANELS
Lift the individual panels up and zip to the zipper insert.
For the larger window panel, use the hooks and rings to hold the panel in place
while zipping the panels.
Ring on Zipper Insert
Hook on Panel
vac004
Insert (ref)
Panel (ref)
Empty Slot
Over Extend
(Reverse Wrap)
Canopy on Tube.
(View Looking at Back
of Idler Head)
Zipper Insert
vac002

VACATION'R
7
S IDE P ANELS
1. If not previously done, insert the bungee ball through the grommet located in
the front upper corner of the side panel. The cord should be inserted from
the outside face of the panel.
NOTE: The bungee ball can be left in the panel when storing the room.
2. Lift the front corner of the side panel up and wrap the bungee under and over the
roller tube. Place the loop of the bungee over the ball.
3. Lift the rear corner of the side panel up and hook the tension strap to the rail clamp.
4. Use the tension strap to tighten the fabric between the roller tube and awning rail.
Refer to “The Strap Hook” on page 9 on how to tighten or loosen the strap.
5. Fold the top of the side panel under the canopy.
6. Attach the side clamps to the canopy. Adjust the straps for a snug fit.
SETTING THE PITCH
The room can accommodate two different pitch
settings, flat (shallow) or steep.
Locate the zippers on the outside of the side
panels.
Close the zipper for flat pitch applications or
open the zipper for steep pitch applications.
CAUTION OPEN AND CLOSE THE ZIPPER
WITH CARE.THE SIDE WALL MATERIAL CAN BE
CAUGHT AND JAM THE ZIPPER.
NOTE: For adjustable pitch awnings, it may be necessary to adjust the pitch of
the awning so that the panels hang straight.
Bungee Ball Cord
Side Panel
Manual Awning Shown
Typical All Applications
Attach Center Straps
to Canopy
Fold Panel Under Canopy
Adjust Strap to Tension Fabric
Between Roller and Awning Rail
Attach Hook to
Rail Clamp
vac021b
Close
for Flat Pitch
Open
for Steep Pitch
vac009
Zipper on Outside
of Side Panel

Carefree of Colorado
8
S TAKE THE R OOM
1. At the bottom, fold the room panels inside or outside.
2. Starting at the back of the room, place a stake through the tie down loop and
drive the stake into the ground.
NOTE: There are two
methods for the stake to grab
the loop. For short stays, use
the hook of the stake to hold
the loops or for longer stays or
if expecting winds, place the
stake through the loop.
3. Pull the panels straight and
stake the front corners.
4. Stake the center tie down loops.
S EALING A LONG THE V EHICLE W ALL
1. On the inside of the room fold the side wall along the vehicle wall.
2. Lift the seal assembly up and press into the corner of the folded fabric. The
velcro1of the seal will attach to the velcro on the room side wall.
Tip: Fold the seal into thirds with the velcro out. Place the top third on the room
wall then fold down the 2nd third and place against the wall. Unfold and place the
last third.
3. At the top, pull the strap through the slot in the fabric and hook the strap into the rail
clamp.
4. Drive a stake slightly under the vehicle then pull the bottom strap through the slot in
the fabric and hook the strap to the stake. or Hook the strap to the vehicle frame.
Tighten the strap as required.
5. To tighten or loosen the strap hook refer to “The Strap Hook” on page 9.
1VELCRO® is the registered trade name of Velcro Industries. The term "velcro" is used to
generically describe the fabric hook and loop fasteners used with the product.

VACATION'R
9
THE STRAP HOOK
The strap hook is an easy to use
means of attaching, tightening and
loosening the web straps used for the
seals and side panel.
Keep the strap flat and straight.
To Tighten: Pull the open end of the
strap away from the hook and release.
To Loosen: Lift the end of the hook
away from the strap.
C LOSING THE C ORNERS
On the inside of the room, use the
supplied cover patches to close the
spaces above the zippers in the
corners and above where the panels
come together.
Hook Strap
to Rail Clamp
Pull Strap Through
Slot in Fabric
Place Stake Beneath
Vehicle and Hook Strap
to Stake or Attach Strap
to Vehicle Frame
Pull Strap Through
Slot in Fabric
vac023
Fold Panel
A
long Vehicle Wall
To Stake
View Inside Room
To Bracket
To Tighten
Pull Strap To Loosen
Lift End of
Hook Away
from Strap
vac022
Cover Patch
bv019

Carefree of Colorado
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ATTACHING THE SKIRT
The skirt panels attach to the vehicle using the skirt clips. The clips can be attached to
the vehicle wall by two different methods.
NOTE: Some vehicles may be equipped with an awning rail mounted for the skirting.
Simply slide the fabric with the polyrod at top into the rail and proceed to “Crossing the
Entry Step” on page 10.
1. For first time installations, thoroughly clean the vehicle wall where the panels are to
be placed. Remove all grease, dirt and wax from the area2.
2. Using a non-permanent marker, mark the desired height of the skirt.
3. On one end of the skirt and place a clip into the webbing on the back of the skirt.
a. Remove the release paper from the tape on the back of the bracket and
firmly press the bracket into position in-line with the edge of the canopy and
the marks made in step 2.
b. Repeat down the length of the skirt.
c. Adjust the position of the clip in the webbing to avoid openings and obstacles
on the vehicle wall.
d. As an alternate method of attaching the clips, Hold the clip in position and
attach using one (1) #10 x ¾” pan head screw. Screws are furnished by the
individual installer and not included with room.
NOTE: The vinyl panel is a generic length that may be longer than your room. You
may find it desirable to mark and trim any excess material that extends past the room.
Be sure to trim after the box stitching so that the corners of the skirt can be attached.
2To remove wax, it is necessary to use a pre-wax cleaner or polisher. These are
commercially available at automotive supply stores.
Webbing on Back
of Skirt Panel
Webbing on Back
of Skirt Panel
Adjust Individual Positions
to Avoid Obstacles
minimum adjustment = 5" [13cm]
Double Sided Tape
OR
#10 x 3/4" Screw
(screws not included)
Edge of Canopy
we028
Skirt Clip
NOTE: The illustration below uses the bottom of the door
to align the top of the panels. The panels can be positioned
higher or lower within the height limits of the panels to cover the
wheel well and/or avoid obstacles.
Stitching (ref)

VACATION'R
11
C ROSSING THE E NTRY S TEP
If the panel goes across the entry step:
1. With the panel attached to the RV
wall, carefully mark the location of
the top, side edges of the step.
2. Remove the skirt from the RV and
lay on a flat clean surface.
3. Measure the height of the step.
4. On the skirt, measure and cut a 1/2"
slot from the marks made in step 1.
the slot should be the height of the
step + 1/2"
5. Draw and cut a straight line between
the bottoms of the slots. This creates a
flap in the fabric.
6. Slide the skirting over the step and
tuck the flap behind the stair tread.
Attach the skirting to the skirt clips.
7. After hanging the skirting, fold any
excess material under the vehicle
and stake as desired.
C ROSSING THE D OOR
If the skirting is mounted at the floor line or raised to avoid obstacles the skirting
may cross over the door. Simply mark the sides of the door and trim the material
vertically on each side. Fold the excess material behind the panel.
Completed Skirt we006
Step Height + 1/2”
Outer Edge
of Step
we005
Top of Step
Outer Edge
of Step
Outer Edge
of Step
Outer Edge
of Step
1/2”
Top of Step
Step Height

Carefree of Colorado
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STORING THE ROOM
1. Remove the stakes and store.
2. Remove the wall seals, fold in thirds and store in bag.
3. Unfasten the canopy clamps, bungees and the strap hooks.
4. For manual awnings: Slide the front panel section and zipper insert out of
the roller tube. Position the awning pull strap in the center of the roller tube.
5. For motorized awnings: Unzip the front panel section from the zipper insert.
The zipper insert can be left in the roller tube for storage.
6. Lay the room out flat with the privacy panels down. Fold the room as shown
and pack in the bag.
Fold Top Section
Fold Panel in Half
Fold Panel in Half
Fold/Roll Panel
(start with a 6" to 8" fold) vac025

VACATION'R
13
ROOM CARE
Maintaining a Carefree Room is easy. Just follow these basic steps:
Always use the room according to the instructions.
Keep the awning fabric and arms clean.
F ABRIC C ARE
NOTICE Do not use oil based cleaners or any caustic, granulated, or
abrasive type cleaners on your Carefree product.
1. One of the best ways to keep the fabric looking good and to delay the need
for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with
clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply
imbedded in the fabric. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be
needed every two to three years.
2. When it is time for a thorough cleaning, the fabric can be cleaned while still
on the awning frame. Use a soft brush and warm water with soap.
3. When cleaning the fabric, it is important to observe the following:
Always use a natural soap, never detergent.
Water should be cold to lukewarm, never more than 100F.
Air-dry only. Never apply heat to the fabric.
Always allow the fabric to dry thoroughly before storing the room.
MILDEW
Mildew is a fungus growth that looks like dirt. Under ordinary conditions, mildew
will not appear. However, in areas where high temperature and humidity are
common, mildew can be a problem and require the material to be washed more
frequently. Thoroughly rinse the fabric with clean water and allow to air dry
completely before storing the room.

Carefree of Colorado
14
CAREFREE MAJOR PRODUCT LIMITED WARRANTY
Carefree of Colorado (hereafter referred to as Carefree) warrants to the first retail
Purchaser that the Carefree Product is free of defects in material and
workmanship within the terms and conditions as set forth in the warranty
statement available online at www.carefreeofcolorado.com. Carefree’s obligation
under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement, at Carefree’s option, of
any defective component with new or factory refurbished components.
OWNER MUST RETAIN THE ORIGINAL PROOF OF PURCHASE AND/OR HAVE THE PRODUCT
WARRANTY REGISTRATION ON FILE AT CAREFREE FOR WARRANTY CLAIMS.
THIS WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE.
Visit www.carefreeofcolorado.com for
- Warranty Duration;
- Warranty Coverage and Exclusions;
- Warranty Terms of Coverage; and,
- Warranty Claim Procedures
Register your Carefree products on-line at www.carefreeofcolorado.com

VACATION'R
15

070011-001r2 Printed in USA November, 2018
Carefree of Colorado www.carefreeofcolorado.com a Scott Fetzer company